Bloom's Taxonomy

Bloom's Taxonomy

Another way to identify the level at which students are learning is through the use of Bloom’s Taxonomy. Bloom’s Taxonomy organizes learning by the level of complexity. In other words, the lower levels reflect knowledge that is not as complex as the higher levels.

Click on the categories of Bloom’s Taxonomy to hear the level of learning associated with each category.

Remembering: This category is often associated with lower level learning. In other words, we are focused on the student recalling or remembering information. This could include recalling definitions of words, identifying parts, or recalling main ideas. Understanding: Within this category, we focus on an understanding of information. We might ask ourselves “Can the student explain ideas or concepts?” This might include asking our students to explain what they have learned in their own words at the end of a lesson. Applying: In many instances, we hope that our students can apply what they are learning outside of the classroom. If a student can take a concept and apply it in a new setting, we have reached this level within Bloom’s Taxonomy. For example, if students are learning to take the blood pressure of a patient, we hope they would be able to perform the same procedure in a clinical setting. Analyzing: As students approach this level within Bloom’s Taxonomy, they should be able to distinguish between different parts. In other words, they should be able to differentiate or organize information accordingly. For example, at this level, students can locate the important information in a math problem and cross out information that is not important. Evaluating: As students reach this category, we ask them to make judgments and defend decisions. For example, are students able to review a project plan and give suggestions for improvement? Creating: Finally, within this category of Bloom’s Taxonomy, we challenge students to create something new or develop a new point of view. If students reach this category of Bloom’s Taxonomy, they are able to brainstorm, plan, and produce.